plural fringes
1 [count] : a border made of hanging threads used to decorate the edge of something (such as clothing, rugs, and curtains)
a lampshade with a fringe
2 [count] : a narrow area along the edge of something
a fringe of moss around the tree
— often plural
Scientists were measuring temperatures at the outer fringes of the atmosphere.
3 [singular] : an area of activity that is related to but not part of whatever is central or most widely accepted
a party on the political fringe
: a group of people with extreme views or unpopular opinions
the conservative/liberal fringe
— often used before another noun
a fringe topic
published in a fringe journal
fringe theater
the fringe element
fringe activists
4 [count] British : the front section of hair cut short and worn over the forehead : BANGS — usually singular
She wears her hair in a fringe.